While Paige Bueckers won the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year accolade by a massive margin, she would have had a tough competition from another guard, Olivia Miles, who had an excellent season with Notre Dame and was seen as the top candidate in the 2025 WNBA draft.
Miles opted out of the draft as she entered the transfer portal and later shocked many by joining TCU. Her decision altered the draft boards of several WNBA franchises, but recently, the playmaker opened up about her decision.
Olivia Miles Talks About Joining TCU
Notre Dame’s superstar was one of the top picks in the 2025 WNBA draft following her incredible season – averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. She led the side to a 28-6 record and was one of the possible lottery picks (top 3) in the predictions.
However, the guard wasn’t entirely confident in her preparation for the WNBA. So, she bypassed the 2025 draft. “[The lottery potential] was a lot to leave on the table,” Miles said. “My parents thought I was crazy. Everyone thought I was crazy. Heck, I still hear comments like, ‘It doesn’t make sense. Why would she come back? Why did she go there?’“
Star @tcuwbb transfer Olivia Miles on adjusting to Fort Worth from Notre Dame:
— Eric Lucio (@erictalkssports) October 21, 2025
“I love the weather [in Fort Worth]… and southern hospitality is something I’ve also heard about and experienced” pic.twitter.com/TsiBYTzws1
“But I wasn’t in great shape, still, mentally. I had a great season last year, but I still wanted to get more consistent and more disciplined, and in better shape physically. I didn’t think I was ready. Being at TCU feels so aligned; I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity, especially with their style of play. Why not stay in college? The pros will still be there,” Miles added.
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While the star opted out of the WNBA Draft, she chose TCU over a return to Notre Dame. Miles mentioned that the style of play was suitable for her to develop into an elite player and prepare her for a pro career. Moreover, her new coach, Mark Campbell, is also ready to run the offense through the youngster who proved her capabilities a season ago. Now, Olivia Miles is prioritizing TCU growth over WNBA draft amid ongoing CBA Negotiations.
Olivia Miles Opens Up On WNBA’s CBA Discussion
The WNBA CBA deal had been a major talking point at the 2025 WNBA draft, and after a full season, the sides have yet to reach a conclusion. Talking about the same. Miles mentioned that she is not currently looking at a professional career, but she understands what’s happening in the league.
“The WNBA is figuring out their own stuff [with the CBA] as we’re watching. So, let them figure it out, and for one more year, I’ll enjoy college. Right now, it’s all still opinions on what is going to change. We hear there is going to be a lot of [player] movement and the league will look different next season. So, for now, I just prioritize what is right in front of me. I’ll start thinking about everything else later on,” the 22-year-old guard said.
Top WNBA prospect and @tcuwbb transfer Olivia Miles on the transfer portal:
— Eric Lucio (@erictalkssports) October 21, 2025
“It’s good nowadays for the players because they have the ability to move [from a bad situation]… it’s scary, though, because of the amount of players, just because there’s not that many open spots.” pic.twitter.com/glUZ3BGp9c
While the WCBB season will be up and running from November 3, Miles will be eager to prove her decision right.